Aviation finance company Avolon, has announced the delivery of the first of six Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft to Virgin Australia as part of a sale-and-leaseback agreement. The deal further strengthens the long-standing partnership between the lessor and the airline, which dates back to 2011. Avolon currently leases eight aircraft to Virgin Australia, and this latest arrangement expands their collaboration.
The newly delivered aircraft is the first of six to join Virgin Australia under the agreement and will support the airline’s ongoing fleet renewal and growth strategy. By introducing the 737-8 MAX, Virgin Australia is not only modernising its fleet but also working towards improved efficiency and sustainability, as the type offers better fuel burn and range compared with earlier models.
Virgin Australia’s Chief Financial Officer, Race Strauss, emphasised the value of this cooperation, noting: “We value our ongoing partnership with Avolon, and we are pleased to welcome our first 737-8 MAX with the lessor. We look forward to building on our relationship with Avolon through future deliveries.”
This delivery represents the 12th Boeing 737-8 MAX in Virgin Australia’s fleet, further consolidating its reliance on the type as the backbone of its domestic and regional operations. The continued support of Avolon provides the airline with greater flexibility in managing its growth while securing access to next-generation aircraft.
